Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

With the weather heating up, it’s time for a trip to the beach! Sandy dunes and fun in the water are a great way to stay cool. There are many fun family activities that you can do, from playing volleyball, building sandcastles, and taking a dip in the water. The most important thing to remember is to take care of your feet while you're at the beach. That’s why Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani have put together this small beach safety guide. Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, is located in Hamilton Township, Plainsboro Township, and Toms River, NJ. Contact any of our offices to schedule an appointment.   When you are out in the sun, you are exposing yourself to ultraviolet rays (UV). It damages the skin, creating what is known as a sunburn. This skin becomes red, hot to the touch, and painful. Sunscreen or sunblock is the best way to prevent it. The beach is a very sunny place so make sure to apply a lot of sunscreen repeatedly throughout the day. This includes the tops and bottoms o...

Foot deformities are one of the most treated conditions here at Mercer- Ocean Podiatry, PC. Located in Toms River, Hamilton Township, and Plainsboro Township, NJ, Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani can even treat Claw Toes. This is when the toes curl in a strange positioning. What happens is that the toes start to bend up at the ball and middle joint before curling down at the tip of the toes. If you are interested in treatment, contact our offices to get started.   The physical appearance of the claw toes is the main symptom. Your Toms River, Plainsboro Township, and Hamilton Township, NJ, podiatrist can provide a diagnosis with a quick evaluation.   There are a few factors that lead to claw toes. Genetics can play a part. Mainly, patients acquire it from a combination of tight tendons, ligaments, and weakened muscles. Your shoewear is also responsible. If you constantly wear tighter shoes, the muscles will stop working.   Many patients seek podiatric treatment for their claw toe...

At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani provide quality podiatric care to patients in Hamilton Township, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ, areas. One of these foot conditions is known as Chilblains. Also known as erythema pernio, these are areas of skin on the foot that experience discoloration and swelling. It causes discomfort by being both itchy and painful. If you experience these symptoms, contact our podiatry team right away.   Your feet require extra maintenance in the cold and rainy months. Taking the appropriate preventive measures is the only way to go. Your podiatrist in the Toms River, Hamilton Township, and Plainsboro Township, NJ, areas can diagnose a chilblain from a simple evaluation. This is because the identifying symptoms are easy to spot. The toes turn blue, purple, or red at first. Then the skin becomes itchy and eventually turns into a painful burning. Quick treatment is a must-have. Chilblains put you at risk for developing se...

Diabetes and other medical conditions can cause what is known as peripheral neuropathy. This is when the nerves in the extremities are damaged, resulting in tingling and numbness. Charcot’s foot happens when these patients injure their feet and don’t realize it. That’s why patients with peripheral neuropathy need regular appointments at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC. Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani have offices in Plainsboro Township, Hamilton Township, and Toms River, NJ. Contact us to learn more.   Besides numbing the feet, neuropathy also destroys the foot bones. The arch then becomes the lowest area of the foot. High amounts of pressure on the new location of the arch create severe pain. The arch becomes riddled with ulcers and dangerous bacteria.   Your podiatrists at Hamilton Township, Plainsboro Township, and Toms River, NJ, encourage you to know the signs of Charcot’s foot. The main symptoms are redness, swelling, pain, and heat stemming from the foot. Other medical profess...

Brachymetatarsia is a highly congenital foot condition when your five metatarsal bones (“toe bones”) are shorter than normal, resulting in the toes pulled back or overlapping the others. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in New Jersey understand that this condition causes discomfort. Your experienced podiatrists, Drs. Killian and Chandrani, will you get started on a regimen to manage discomfort associated with brachymetatarsia. If you suffer from brachymetatarsia, you know that it’s difficult to properly balance or smoothly transfer weight across your toes when you walk or run. To correct this problem, extra padding is used in the shoe to protect the short toe from excessive friction and pressure. Orthotics are used to properly distribute the weight across the foot while in motion. In some cases, a surgical graft of bone to lengthen the short toe may be necessary.  Drs. Killian and Chandrani will help you find the right treatment option based on your unique situation. Call our office tod...

Dry skin is common, especially with old age and during the cold months. No matter how common, though, steps should still be taken to replenish moisture in your skin. Skin that is left severely dry can become itchy and scaly, which are signs that your xerosis has progressed into pruritus. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in New Jersey take pride in educating our patients about proper foot care. We want all of our patients feeling the best they can! While xerosis is a minor and temporary problem that does not normally require medical attention, if severe enough, it causes significant discomfort. Some symptoms include skin that is dry, itchy, scaly, tight (especially after a shower), white, flakey, irritated, or finely cracked. You should immediately see your doctor if you find that your skin is oozing or peeling, or if your skin worsens or develops a ring-shaped rash. Preventing xerosis is quite simple, though sometimes inevitable for those over sixty-five. At that point, you can reduce t...

Our feet withstand a lot. They hold up the full weight of our bodies and propel us forward. It’s important that we take care of our feet so that they can last us our lifetimes with little complication. Common toe deformities such as claw toe, hammertoe, and mallet toe can all be prevented if we treat our feet right. We at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in New Jersey are dedicated to helping our patients find relief and educating them about how they can prevent future toe deformities.    Claw toe, hammertoe, and mallet toe: it almost sounds like we’re going through a toolbox. But the names do lend to the visual abnormality of these deformities, as well as the discomfort. Most of the time, surgery will be required to completely correct these deformities. The tissue will need to be released and tendons will need to be lengthened.    A closer look at the common toe deformities:   - Claw toe: This deformity is caused by one of the tendons in the foot contracting, raising the first bone in the t...

Each of us has a unique walking pattern, defined as our gait. Gait is crucial for development because when observed at an early age, it can be an early diagnostic clue for conditions such as cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. Normal gait requires adequate strength and balance from all participating joints. Dr. Frank Killian of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry would like to briefly explain some different types of abnormal gait. Scissors gait – This is when the legs are flexed slightly at the hips and knees in a crouching motion. The knees and thighs may hit each other crossing in a scissor-like movement. Waddling gait – This type of gait is usually observed in children and will cause a person to have a duck-like walk. Magnetic gait – This occurs when a person walks while shuffling their feet as if they stick to the ground. If you suffer from arthritis of the leg or foot joints or experience frequent corns, calluses, or swelling of the feet, call us immediately to discuss your treatme...

Everyone sweats throughout the day. It’s a natural process that keeps us from overheating. It’s only when sweaty feet become near-constant that it becomes a problem. Excessively sweaty feet are referred to as hyperhidrosis. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, we treat a large variety of foot conditions. Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani are highly qualified podiatrists. We provide service to all patients in the Hamilton Township and Toms River, NJ, areas.   When an individual has hyperhidrosis, they sweat continuously. Though it’s not known what exactly causes this condition, it’s assumed to be genetic. The obvious and most apparent symptom is excessive sweating. The foot's appearance also changes. They take on a whitish or wet appearance. There will be a strong odor too.   It’s important to seek out podiatric care right away. Excessive sweating leads to fungal conditions and infections. At your appointment with Drs. Killian or Chandrani, your feet are thoroughly examined. This alo...

Whether you have a snowy winter season or not, it’s important to keep your feet warm in the colder months. Unavoidable weather conditions make it a dangerous time to have a foot injury. Ice and snow also increase your risk of ankle sprains and fractures. That’s why Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, have put together this winter care guide. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to our staff in Hamilton Township and Toms River, NJ.   The best tip for keeping your feet toasty is wearing the appropriate shoes. Slips and falls are huge hazards in the winter months. Try not to make risky shoe choices, like high heels. We recommend shoes that are low-heeled or boots. These provide you with the necessary traction. It makes the difference between slipping outside and a normal day! You don’t want to end up with a foot injury. You also need to invest in properly insulated footwear. You need water-resistant or insulated shoes to stay warm. It’s the best pr...

Dry skin on your feet can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed. You don’t have to be with the proper treatment. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani offer top-tier podiatric treatment. Dry skin puts you at risk for contracting viruses and infections. Preventive care is of utmost importance. Visit our offices in Hamilton Township and Toms River to learn more.   It’s simple enough to diagnose and treat dry skin. The main symptoms are itchiness, red or flaky patches, and peeled/cracked areas. Certain fungal infections present similar symptoms. Your Hamilton Township and Toms River podiatrist will easily distinguish the two. One of these similar conditions is Athlete’s foot. Check around your toes for any blisters. This is a key sign of a fungal infection.   At your appointment with Drs. Killian or Chandrani, your feet are examined. Talk to your podiatrist about any past medical problems, especially any foot-related ones. There are certain risk fact...

It may seem basic, but toenail care is an important part of your foot health. Trimming improperly heightens your risk and leads to podiatric conditions. That’s why the staff at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC have put together this helpful guide. Located at two convenient locations in Hamilton Township and Toms River, NJ, Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani are feet doctors of the highest tier. This guide helps you through proper feet care. Contact us to learn more.   Proper toenail clipping is necessary to prevent foot issues like ingrown toenails. These nails grow inward, causing pain and possibly infection. Cutting correctly avoids this problem. Before you start, make sure your clippers are the appropriate size. Always clean them before and after with disinfectant.   -First, try to cut your nail straight across. Curved nails are thought to be aesthetically pleasing, but it is not recommended by your NJ podiatrists. -Don’t cut each nail in one swoop. Make a series of smaller cuts to ge...

Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC offer treatment for a variety of feet conditions and issues. Drs. Frank J. Killian and Sameep Chandrani are experienced in all areas and treatments. This includes Hallux Rigidus. This is a condition that affects the joints of the big toe. It results in pain and stiffness in the big toe.   If you have Hallux Rigidus, you will notice an increase in pain when walking or running. It’s also worse when it is cold or damp outside. The most common indicator is swelling and inflammation around the big toe joint. Once it progresses, your big toe will hurt even when resting. You may experience bone spurs. It can get so painful that many patients begin to limp. This will put a strain on your ankles, knees, hips and lower back.   Hallux Rigidus is a form of degenerative arthritis. The cartilage in the joint will wear out and cause pain. In certain cases, this is caused by misalignment of the feet or genetic deformities in the foot.   In many cases, anti-inflammatory medica...

Haglund’s Deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel. It is also sometimes referred to as “pump bump” due to its prevalence in women who frequently wear pump-styled shoes. This can occur in one or both feet. If you experience heel pain, do not wait to contact Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC. Drs. Frank J. Killian and Sameep Chandrani are available by appointment.   The tell-tale bony enlargement on the heel is caused by inflammation. The bursa, a fluid-filled sac between the Achilles tendon and your heel bone, becomes irritated. You will experience pain, along with the possibility of swelling and redness. There are many genetic factors that predispose a patient to Haglund’s Deformity. Wearing stiff shoes can also increase your risk.   There are many non-surgical treatment options offered by our podiatrists. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can bring down swelling and relieve pain. Stretching and physical therapy are often recommended. These can help you relieve the ...

When a patient experiences brachymetatarsia, what this means is that they have an unusually short metatarsal bone. These are the bones in the toes. The result is a toe that is farther back than the others or overlaps the others. Drs. Frank J. Killian and Sameep Chandrani offer treatment for brachymetatarsia at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC.   The biggest symptom and indicator of brachymetatarsia is problems with balance. Your toes are crucial to your equilibrium. When you have one toe that is shorter, your body dynamics are thrown off. You may have difficulty properly balancing or transferring weight across the toes when walking or running.   The most common treatment for this is extra padding in the shoe. This will protect the feet from friction and pressure resulting from the brachymetatarsia. Drs. Killian and Chandrani also provide shoe orthotics to patients. These are often used for treatment as well. In more severe cases, a surgical graft of the shortened metatarsal bone is done.   If...

Achilles Tendonitis is a sprain in the Achilles tendon, located on the heel bone and running up your lower leg. It is needed for walking and movement. This tendon is what allows your foot to rise up on the toes. If you experience pain above your heel, you may be experiencing Achilles tendonitis. Dr. Frank J. Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani of Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC offer treatment for this condition.   It’s important that as soon as you start to experience symptoms that you come in for a consultation. Treatment is more effective the earlier it starts. Schedule an appointment as soon as swelling in the back of your feet begins. There are a few causes of Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon naturally begins to weaken as you grow older. This results in most patients experiencing this condition to be older. Bone spurs and tight calf muscles can also be the cause. It is important to slowly acclimate yourself to higher intensity levels when working out. Increase your activity level a...

Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail begins to grow into the surrounding skin. Though it often does not require medical intervention, if left untreated it can lead to infection. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC., in NJ, Dr. Frank Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani can help treat and prevent ingrown toenail infections.   There are many factors that can cause ingrown toenails. A common mistake patients make is in the way that they cut their toenails. It is better to cut your toenails straight across and not with a rounded edge. A rounded edge encourages the nail to grow into the flesh of the toe. Trauma and genetics play a part in the likelihood of ingrown toenails also.   The main symptoms of an ingrown toenail are pain, swelling, redness, and a feeling of warmth in the affected toe. If the nail breaks through the flesh, bacteria will be able to enter and cause an infection. Infection can further agitate the toe and nail, causing additional problems.   If an infection has not begun, the tr...

Athletes foot is a podiatric condition in which the patient contracts a highly contagious foot fungus. This can typically be contracted in damp and moist areas, like public pools, locker rooms, or showers. If you’re worried that you might have Athletes Foot, visit Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC., in NJ. Dr. Frank Killian or Dr. Sameep Chandrani are happy to assist you with your medical needs.   Athletes Foot once contracted, often affects the areas between the toes. It begins as a red and itchy rash. Ignored, the skin will become sensitive before finally turning white and peeling. Like any bacterial infection, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Bacterial infections weaken the body and make it vulnerable to further infections. Cracks that appear in the peeling skin on the foot are a gateway for harmful bacteria. Athletes foot can also be transferred to other parts of the body through bedding and clothing. In serious cases of athletes foot, “mocassin foot” can occur, resu...

Plantar warts are benign (noncancerous) growths that can appear on the sole, heel, or ball of the foot. They can be described as abrasive or spongy to the touch, color varying from gray to brown or yellow. The signature aspect of a wart is the dark dots in the center of it. If you have noticed anything similar to this on your feet, contact Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC in NJ. Dr. Frank Killian and Dr. Sameep Chandrani are available to assist you.   Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) entering your body through your feet. This typically happens through the bottom of the feet in public areas like locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. You’re at a higher risk of catching the virus that causes plantar warts if you experience continual exposure to HPV through common public areas. A weakened immune system can also raise your chances.   Plantar warts are diagnosed after a patient notices an uncomfortable sensation or lump on their foot. If left untreated, plantar warts ...

When standing in a neutral position, most people have a gap under the arch of their foot. The inner part of the foot is slightly raised off the ground. People with flat feet or fallen arches either have no arch, or it is very low. Flatfoot is a complex disorder, with many symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. If you experience symptoms of flatfoot, visit the doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry for treatment. A significant number of people with flat feet experience no pain and have no problems. Some, however, may experience pain in their feet, especially when connecting ligaments and muscles are strained. The leg joints may also be affected, resulting in pain. If the ankles turn inwards because of flat feet, the most likely affected areas will be the feet, ankles, and knees. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition. A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, including the doctor, may detect. If you h...